Eight FAQs on Omicron variant of Covid-19 answered

Hyderabad: Even as more and more cases of Omicron are being reported in India, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions. What is Omicron and what makes it a variant of concern (VoC)? The new Covid variant called B.1.1.529 or Omicron was first detected by South […]

Hyderabad: Even as more and more cases of Omicron are being reported in India, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is Omicron and what makes it a variant of concern (VoC)?

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The new Covid variant called B.1.1.529 or Omicron was first detected by South Africa and it has shown a large number of mutations, reportedly more than 30, on the virak spike.

Given the increased infectivity and evasion of immunity, leading to a sudden rise in number of positive cases in South Africa, the World Health Organisation has declared Omicorn as a variant of concern.

Can the currently used diagnostics methods, detect Omicron?

There is limited available data, and no peer-reviewed evidence, on vaccine efficacy or effectiveness to date for Omicron but the currently available RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 has been validated and approved by Indian Council of Medical Research continue to detect the variant.
How concerned should we be about the new VoC?

Though a definitive evidence for increases remission and immune evasion is yet to be ascertained, it is important to highlight that Omicron has been declared VoC based on the observed mutations, their predicted features of increased transmission, and reinfections.

Why do variants occur?

Different variants of any virus coming up, is a common occurrence as it is a normal part evolution. Viruses mutate and evolve into different variants as long as the transmission is not contained. Hence the containment of viruses becomes very important. The most important step to avoid generation of variants is to reduce the number of infections.

What precautions should we take?
The precautions and steps to be taken remain same as before. It is essential to wear masks, sanitise and to take both doses of vaccines

Will there be a third wave?
Omicron cases are increasingly being reported from countries outside of South Africa especially United Kingdom, Denmark and given its characteristics, it is likely to spread to more countries. However, the scale and magnitude of rise in cases and most importantly the severity of disease that will be caused is still not clear. Further, given the fast pace of vaccination in India and high exposure to delta variant as evidenced by high seropositivity, the severity of the disease is anticipated to be low.

Will the existing vaccines work against Omicron?
While there is no evidence to suggest that existing vaccines do not work on Omicron, some of the mutations reported on Spike gene may decrease the efficacy of existing vaccines. However, vaccine protection is also by antibodies as well as by cellular immunity, which is expected to be relatively better preserved. Hence vaccines are expected to still offer protection against severe disease and, vaccination with the available vaccines is crucial.

Will there be any change in treatment protocol?

The treatment protocol for COVID-19 caused due to Omicron variant essentially remains the same. However, as the variant is new, all such cases must be managed in identified separate isolation facilities to prevent further transmission in the community.

Also read: 

Omicron not lethal as Delta: Experts

ICMR designs kit for omicron detection; invites EOI from manufacturers

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